Our stay at this resort was outstanding, and we hope to return before too long.

The staff were terrific and very friendly and outgoing. We enjoyed getting to know quite a few of them. Their growing command of English is impressive.

The resort is very beautiful and its setting, nestled into the hillside, is stunning. Our room had a breathtaking view of mountains, lush greenery, and the bay. We could hear the waves breaking on the beach and also from the shore across the bay. Our only regret is that we didn't have much free time to sit on the totally private balcony and enjoy the view.

From a number of tables in the dining room you can enjoy a marvelous vista of the surrounding vegetation, mountains, and soaring hawks.

There were a a number of musical groups; all were extremely talented. Special mention goes to Augustcesar, a truly remarkable pianist who played nightly in the spacious lobby.

We loved the food -- terrific soups, the tastiest pork I've ever eaten, several wonderful goat dishes, quite a variety of fish, and the freshest vegetables and fruit. But some unexpected surprises: don't miss the brussel sprouts, honestly. They have the most delectable flavour. Also, many people passed on the rice pudding, a seemingly humble selection amidst an array of tempting desserts. But they missed a treat. It was strongly laced with freshly grated nutmeg -- delightful.

We enjoyed the beach. Pedal boats made it easy to reach the reef and snorkel or just take in the view the boat without even entering the water.

Finally, the trip to and from Santiago is beautiful and very interesting. We also strongly recommend a visit to Chivirico, less than half an hour away, either by moped or taxi. Allow enough time venture from the main road and explore the neighbourhoods for a real slice of Cuban life. This is a terrific town of about 3,000 people.

Finally, the hotel has a small farm and botanical gardens situated behind the beach (follow the path to the Ecological Restaurant). The gardens are well worth a visit, but don't forget to apply mosquito repellent beforehand so you can linger comfortably and chat with the gardeners.

I am returning to sierra Mar on April 2nd for the 5th time. I have travelled to a fair amount of places but this is by far my favourite.of the six others going,one is going for her fourth,one her third ,one her second and the others their first..time.

The food is great,the atmosphere wonderful.the employees are excellent and very friendly. I have kept in contact with many throughout the years. I go into chivirico at least once for lunch at one of the worker,s homes and it is really nice.

I find the resort extremely clean,safe and enjoy all aspects of it.

Yordanis,Edita.Ernesto,Suzanne,Lily.Yvette,Carlos,jose,Rolando are the best.They make our visit well worth it.

I highly recommend Sierra Mar and you can,t beat the price. Also we pay extra to fly to toronto just so we can go to Santiago de Cuba.

I misplaced the e-mail address to the resort so if someone has it please submit it Tks.

We are writing about Los Galeones. And to put the review in the right context, a few words about us: middle aged couple (39 and 45) who wanted a week of relaxation, away from the kids and looking for some fun and good time. We were glad to find this tiny resort - Los Galeones - in Cuba, at a reasonable price.

The location of the resort is wonderful: on the top of a hill, on a peninsula. The views are spectacular. To get to the beach, there are quite few steps to go down, and obviously, back up. The beach is small, and the bottom of the sea very rocky. So don't forget your water shoes!!

In the resort there is a small pool and that's about it. Oh, no, there is a gym as well, with some medieval equipment... If you go to the beach level few times a day, you'll get your exercise.

During our week, the majority of the group was "adult", very adult. There were two couples in their 20s, and they left after a day or so to Sierra MAr, due to lack of "noise". So, depending on what you what, can be good or not. We wanted a bit more "life" too.

We went a couple of times to Sierra Mar, but the road is is the road to hell! The potholes are so big, the shuttle bus had to drive on the side of the road, between the power posts.

We had a very nice surprise on Saturday night, when we had a pit-roasted pig. On top of everything else, there was a power outage, which made the supper a bit romantic, with candle lights on the tables.

All in all, it was a nice break from the winter in Toronto. We don't know if we would go again to Los Galeones. We recommend it though for quietness and relaxation. If this is your kind of fun.